About the film (courtesy of Disney and Pixar):
The toys are back in Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, and this time it’s Toy meets Tech. Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they’re introduced to what kids are obsessed with today…electronics!
It is a rare feat for a franchise to maintain its luster five entries deep, but Toy Story 5 defies the odds by recapturing the magic that started it all over three decades ago. By leaning into the core chemistry of its beloved cast while refining the visual storytelling, this installment manages to rival the original Toy Story (1995) in both charm and narrative execution. It serves as a vibrant reminder of why these characters became cultural icons in the first place, proving there is still plenty of stuffing left in these heroes.
The emotional resonance that defines this series remains a central pillar in Toy Story 5, striking a balance that feels both nostalgic and necessary. While it doesn’t quite reach the tear-jerking, existential weight of Toy Story 3 (2010)—a relief for those who still haven’t fully recovered from the furnace scene—it sits comfortably close to that high-water mark. The stakes feel personal and grounded, ensuring that the heart of the story never gets lost amidst the spectacle of the toys’ latest grand adventure taking on the biggest foe of all, technology.
Seeing the gang back together is a joy, and Toy Story 5 benefits immensely from the return of legendary voices like Tom Hanks and Tim Allen. Director Andrew Stanton breathes new life into Woody and Buzz by giving them clever comedic enhancements that play off their long-standing friendship. These subtle tweaks to their personalities allow for fresh interactions without betraying the character growth established in earlier chapters like Toy Story 4 (2019), making the dialogue feel sharper and more energetic than ever.
The humor in Toy Story 5 is exceptionally well-crafted, offering a multi-layered experience that caters to all ages. The introduction of “tech toys” provides a modern foil for our classic protagonists, complete with silly twists that lead to some of the funniest sequences in the series. A few of the “tech toys” worth mentioning are Lilypad (Greta Lee), Atlas (Craig Robison), Snappy (Shelby Rabara), and my personal favorite, Sparty Pants (Conan O’Brien). Adults will particularly appreciate the abundance of glorious double entendres peppered throughout the script, ensuring the theater is filled with laughs from both the kids in the front row and the parents in the back.
This film is a testament to the enduring power of high-quality animation and strong, character-driven plots. Whether you are a lifelong fan or introducing a new generation to the toy box, this latest chapter delivers an entertainment experience that is truly second to none. Be sure to catch Toy Story 5 when it arrives exclusively in theaters on Friday, June 19th.
